Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch, New Zealand

Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury

Outty Ranking 49 5.0 · 3 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $524
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Outty Ranking

49/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury worth booking?

Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury is a 1.5-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $524 per person. It scores 49 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
49 / 100
Rating
5/5 (3)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$524 per person

Combines helicopter flight and jet boat safari in one experience Scenic flight over the Southern Alps and the braided Waimakariri River High-speed jet boat ride through Waimakariri Gorge Departs directly from Christchurch Perfect half-day Canterbury adventure Perfect day shore excursion for cruise ship passengers

What you get

    About this experience

    Combines helicopter flight and jet boat safari in one experience Scenic flight over the Southern Alps and the braided Waimakariri River High-speed jet boat ride through Waimakariri Gorge Departs directly from Christchurch Perfect half-day Canterbury adventure Perfect day shore excursion for cruise ship passengers

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional Jet Boat driver and licensed pilot
    • Included in tour

    Not included

    • Food and drinks

    What you'll see and do

    1. Canterbury Region

      Lift off from our Christchurch base, heading west toward the dramatic Southern Alps. Flying over the shimmering braided shallows of the mighty Waimakariri River, following the river’s winding path into the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge. Towering cliff faces rise sharply on either side, and waterfalls tumble from ancient rock walls to meet the turquoise waters below.

      20 minutes here

    2. Waimakariri River

      Touch down at the Helijet Adventure Park base, where your jet boat awaits. Then it’s time to ignite the adrenaline. Skim at high speed across crystal-clear alpine waters, power through narrow canyon corridors, and experience exhilarating Hamilton turns that send fans of spray across the river’s surface. Feel the raw energy of the river as Your expert driver navigates tight braids and sweeping bends beneath the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps. This 30-minute adventure safari blends heart-racing excitement with breathtaking alpine scenery, a sensory experience as much as an adrenaline rush.

      35 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Canterbury Region

      After exploring deep into the canyon country near Springfield (Tarewa), lift off once more and take to the skies, soaring back across the river valleys to Christchurch.

      20 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Christchurch

    Sign posted GCH Aviation/ Garden City Helicopters

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Sign posted GCH Aviation/ Garden City Helicopters

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Garden City Helicopters

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Children 2 to 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult
    • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required for trip to depart, otherwise it will be cancelled
    • Please wear a Jacket, Hat, Gloves, Sunglasses and Sunscreen - Warm Clothing
    • Carry any medication that you may need.
    • Departure times & experience itineraries can often be scheduled to suit personal requirements
    • Weather dependent - We may cancel if the river is not suitable for the jet boat
    • Weather dependent - We may cancel if the weather is not suitable for the helicopter to operate.

    Photos

    Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury in Christchurch, photo 2Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury in Christchurch, photo 3Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury in Christchurch, photo 4Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury in Christchurch, photo 5Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury in Christchurch, photo 6Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury in Christchurch, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    1 mention

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    3
    4 star
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    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Erica_B · February 2024

    Do it

    Felt like a rockstar getting choppered into the boats 😂 Beautiful seeing Christchurch from the sky The river is so clear and beautiful Would definitely do it again ❤️

    via Viator

    melbU2208TT · April 2023

    Do it, you won't regret it!

    This was a special birthday gift. The trip had to be altered as the jet boat company had no drivers at the shallows area. This gave us a longer helicopter flight to a different location a lot higher up the Waimakariri river (which we had done about 2 months before). The scenery from the helicopter was stunning and the extended flight time gave us a better view of this beautiful country. The jet boat trip, though we'd done it previously, was again awesome. The river had changed so much in just 2 months. The raw natural beauty of the river and surrounding rock formations is a must see.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review of our Helijet. What a treat to get an upgrade to a longer trip. to see more of the beauty of the region combined with a thrilling jet boat ride. We have started a new product up in Kaikoura that may be something to add to your bucket list our Kaikoura Helicopter Helijet. Call our team there on 03 319 6609 for more details. Please do share your images on out social pages #gchaviation.

    via Tripadvisor

    Fdegrave · March 2023

    great out door fun....

    loved the helicopter ride to the jet boat....Jet boat goes fast and loved the spins....This company was so professional and on time..They took care of every detail....

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your terrific review of our Helijet trip. Please do share your pictures on our social pages #gchaviation

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $524 to $899
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Garden City Helicopters, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.7.

    See everything Garden City Helicopters runs

    Why this scores 49

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)81
    Review evidence (18% weight)23
    Booking momentum (14% weight)14
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)63
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.

    How much does Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury cost?

    +

    Prices start at $524 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Christchurch usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury take?

    +

    Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Christchurch is not rushed.

    Is Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 49 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Christchurch, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury?

    +

    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Christchurch can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Christchurch and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Christchurch within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Christchurch?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Christchurch experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Christchurch?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Christchurch?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury?

    +

    Included: Professional Jet Boat driver and licensed pilot; and Included in tour. Not included: Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury?

    +

    Sign posted GCH Aviation/ Garden City Helicopters Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury?

    +

    Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, organization. The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour – Canterbury.

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